Council supports rails
to trails

Ted DanielsPublished: August 16, 2006 12:00AM

By ELLEN SIMMONS
T-G Correspondent
NEW LONDON Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday in support of a rails-to-trails project from New London to Greenwich on the old Lake Erie and Wheeling rail line.
Gordon Oney and Joe Mantey spoke to council as members of Firelands Rails to Trails, a non-profit group made up of volunteers. Jeff Harwood represented a group made up of Greenwich and New London Rotary Club members and others who are forming their own non-profit organization.
Oney and Mantey said the resolution was needed so Firelands Rails to Trails can apply for a state grant to purchase the land from the railroad. They are doing this because of an approaching deadline for grant applications and the fact the new group has not yet been officially approved as non-profit and cannot submit the application.
They said if the grant is approved and the purchase goes through, the land will then be turned over to the new organization.
John Copley, head of the clock tower repair committee, told council Contributions have been outstanding, and the project may be finished by Labor Day. Council passed a motion to release the funds donated to the village for the project to the United Methodist Church, which has contracted to have the work done.
Marla Helms, owner of Shears to You on South Main, asked if something could be done about storm sewer overflow flooding her businesss bathroom each time there is a heavy rain. The village administrator will look into the matter.
It was noted no firewood may be brought into Recreation Park during the Labor Day Festival. Council then approved the Eagles request to sell beer at the park during that weekend.
In other business, council:
n heard Mayor Dar Anderson say the turnout for the circus was excellent and he has heard many good comments.
n approved taking new police officer Korey Kaufman off his initial probation.
n passed an ordinance to hire an engineer to study the village wastewater system at a cost of $44,720.
n introduced an ordinance stating prisoners are personally responsible for medical or dental expenses incurred while in the custody of village police.